Jagland’s extensive relationship with Epstein must be investigated
The Epstein files indicate more than normal diplomatic contact as Jagland has claimed; they indicate political intervention, financial connections and personal friendship with convicted sex offender Epstein.
February 2, 2026 | INTERNATIONAL POLITICS
February 6, 2026 | Updated below
Former Norwegian Prime Minister, Chair of the Nobel Committee and Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Thorbjorn Jagland has lied about his contact with the American convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. The current Norwegian Prime Minister, and party colleague in the Labour Party, Jonas Gahr Store, calls Thorbjorn Jagland’s contact with Epstein poor judgement. But this is far more serious, Store should today have announced that he has asked relevant bodies to investigate the circumstances.
A search for "Jagland" in the Epstein files published on the U.S. Department of Justice website gives 2,262 hits. The files show that Thorbjorn Jagland has had a far more extensive relationship with Jeffrey Epstein than was known from previously published files. The files indicate more than normal diplomatic contact as Jagland has claimed; they indicate friendship, financial connections and political intervention.
The investigation that the FBI has carried out against Jeffrey Epstein is related to sexual human trafficking. It can be perceived as if Thorbjorn Jagland himself suggests that he has made use of Epstein’s procuring activities in this email to Epstein from 9 January 2013;
By the way, Hanne and I have talked about coming backt to somewhere in the carribean with my to sons during eastern to celebrate her 60. birthday (I can't keep it going only with young women as you know).
Other indications can be perceived as if they support that Jagland has used Epstein’s services, including a medical visit that Epstein is said to have arranged and paid for for Jagland. This was in 2012, a few months before the message above was sent. Other files indicate that Epstein is said to have helped Bill Gates with medical assistance after he is said to have contracted a sexually transmitted disease.
An independent investigation would be in Jagland’s own interest if he has not done anything blameworthy. There are still several million files that have not been published, and it has not been revealed whom the victims believe they were sexually abused by. Some tens of victims have come forward on their own initiative, some have named their abusers, others have not. In total there are said to be more than 1,000 victims, and more will probably come forward later.
When it comes to Thorbjorn Jagland’s political activities with Epstein, it is natural to expect that the Norwegian state investigates these. Thorbjorn Jagland was both Foreign Minister and Prime Minister and had first-hand access to classified Norwegian state affairs. In the emails between Epstein and Jagland, contact with Russian politicians is mentioned several times.
The financial aspects of the case must be investigated by the responsible authority with regard to corruption, in relation to Jagland’s position as Chair of the Nobel Committee and as Secretary General of the Council of Europe. The Norwegian-French anti-corruption investigator Eva Joly has called for such an investigation to be carried out.
In any case, Thorbjorn Jagland has himself destroyed his legacy, and it is difficult to see that it can be restored.
Update February 6, 2026
Norwegian authorities announced on February 5 that Thorbjørn Jagland has been stripped of his diplomatic immunity and will be investigated for aggravated corruption. No information has been released about whether he will also be investigated for espionage or for sexual abuse of minors.
Press release from the Norwegian Government
SOURCES
Department of Justice
Official DOJ disclosures related to the Epstein filesVG
New documents show Jagland discussed “joint investment” and housing purchase with EpsteinNRK
Epstein documents reveal Jagland planned a family trip to Epstein’s islandAftenposten
Thorbjørn Jagland on new Epstein documents: agrees he showed poor judgmentNettavisen
Council of Europe inquiry suggests Jagland may have stayed with Epstein on official tripFilter Nyheter
Epstein paid a 2,000 dollar medical bill for Jagland, emails showNRK
Prime Minister Støre says Crown Princess and Jagland showed poor judgmentAftenposten
Epstein offered private jet to Jagland family trip, described as “Jeffrey’s treat”Nettavisen
Labour Party figure calls on Jagland and Rød-Larsen to resign after Epstein revelationsPOLITICO
Emails reveal contact in 2018 between Jeffrey Epstein and former Council of Europe chiefThe Telegraph
Article reporting claims made by Epstein regarding Bill GatesNettavisen
Interview with Eva Joly warning against trusting generosity from billionaires like Epstein
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